Staff Correspondent, Dhaka: Family members of human rights and social development activist Md Kharul Islam have alleged that a group of attackers stormed his sister’s residence in Mohammadpur’s Rayerbazar area, issued threats and demanded Tk10 lakh in extortion money.

The incident reportedly took place around 11am on Saturday at a house on Sultanganj Road in Rayerbazar. Md Kharul Islam works as an active member of the Nations Development Organisation.

According to family members, a group of eight to 10 people carrying locally made weapons entered the building and ignored attempts by security guard Arif Hossain to stop them. They allegedly went to the fifth floor, shouted abusive language and repeatedly rang the bell while demanding that residents open the door.

The situation created panic in the neighbourhood before house owner Joynal Abedin intervened and brought the situation under control.

Kharul Islam’s sister Amena Akter, her husband Md Abdul Latif and other relatives were inside the flat during the incident.

Amena alleged that the attackers searched for Md Kharul Islam and his wife Maesa Munara, threatened the family and demanded Tk10 lakh.

Abdul Latif said Md Kharul Islam and his wife have long worked on transgender rights, LGBTQ rights and child marriage prevention. He alleged that an extremist group targeted them because of those activities.

He also claimed that the attackers threatened to cripple him and kill his children. According to him, the family possesses audio recordings linked to the threats. He added that fear for their safety has discouraged the family from filing a police case.

Kharul Islam told this correspondent over phone that he and his family had faced repeated threats and attacks in the past because of their social development activities. He alleged that the attackers targeted his sister’s residence after failing to find him.

Law enforcement agencies did not immediately comment on the allegations.